Electric Vehicles or EVs are an important resource for battling pollution and improving the lives and lifescapes of citizens, said Amit Kumar, ED and CEO, Benling India. It is, therefore, good to see the strong and visible focus the Union Budget 2022 puts on enhancing the use and operational availability of EVs in the country, he pointed out.  

Kumar said, “While India’s electric vehicle market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 90 percent to touch USD 150 billion by 2030, it may be safe to say that this market is still in its infancy. With EV sales accounting for barely 1.3 per cent of total vehicle sales in India during last year, the positive policy inputs such as those in the present budget and the shift to shared, electric, and connected mobility could help the country immensely in reducing harmful polluting emissions.” 

He added, “The Union budget 2022 has proposed some very assertive measures which will promote the market for EVs across small towns and cities. There is an impactful thrust towards renewable energy incentives with an increased focus on reducing infrastructural waste for a greener tomorrow. This shall happen on the back of measures designed to overcome the hesitancy most buyers have when it comes to EVs. For instance, proposals for the furtherance of clean energy and the ‘Gati Shakti’ initiatives are important areas for the commercial EV segment. In fact, the demand incentives provided under FAME II, the launch of various state policies, the incidence of runaway and consistently rising fuel prices, tightening emissions laws, and increasing awareness about environment and its sustainability are few factors making the EV sector attractive to larger automobile players and financial investors. 

“The sector is also witnessing some clear tech-led trends which will define its contours in the coming years. Smart charging where the infrastructure can manage need based charging and also charge itself will be a boon for countries such as India. Autonomy and self-driving cars have seen some big changes over the past couple of years and some movement can be expected in India as well. Increased bets on heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles should see this tech adoption take off soon too. Another trend is the introduction of EVs in different segments to accommodate consumer lifestyles. Alongside the EV trend is the growing dependence on using technology to enhance user experience and drivability. The movement away from analog indicators, switches and dials has been gradual: flat panel displays replace the variety of analog indicators, and touch screens replace the knobs, switches, dials and buttons. There is now a desire to integrate all these individual displays and touch panels as a contiguous surface. Solutions from innovative companies that do things in a different and better way will be the key to forging ahead. Customers want better, and there is a strong motivation in the industry to meet these expectations.” 

He said, “Following the launch of the FAME India plan, which aims to transition toward e-mobility in the light of expanding international policy commitments and environmental difficulties, the EV market in India has gained substantial momentum. Additionally, India has the world's largest untapped market, particularly for electric two-wheelers. The automatic route market is likely to gain traction in the next few years due to the fact that 100 percent foreign direct investment is permitted in this sector.” 

He also exuded confidence that with increasing demand and investments, the requirements for a skilled workforce in the EV sector can only be expected to grow. “An early identification and investment from government can ensure timely readiness and help capture the opportunity of green jobs that come along with the EV transition. Facilitating public and private investments into skilling, re-skilling, upskilling; research and development, especially for batteries; and innovation hubs at this stage will help reach the desired levels of preparedness for a just EV transition while ensuring local innovation and technology development,” he pointed out. (MT)  

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Pune-headquartered alternative energy vehicle manufacturer Blue Energy Motors (BEM) has launched its electric heavy-duty truck, which is equipped with battery swapping technology.

The truck was unveiled by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, at Blue Energy Motors’ Chakan facility in Pune. Fadnavis also inaugurated, what is claimed to be India’s first electric corridor from Mumbai–Pune, which is the first step in a plan to electrify national highway corridors over the next three years.

What’s more, Blue Energy Motors has signed an MoU with the Maharashtra government to set up a new facility with a capacity of 30,000 trucks, backed by an investment of INR 35 billion. The automaker has received strong demand for its e-trucks and has signed MoUs for over 10,000 units.

The new e-truck is designed for Indian conditions and follows the success of Blue Energy Motors’ LNG-powered fleet. It features an unlimited range with battery swapping, the highest payload in its category and Advanced Mobility Intelligence. The launch also introduces India’s first Energy-as-a-Service model for heavy-duty trucks.

Devendra Fadnavis, said, “This launch showcases Maharashtra’s leadership in sustainable innovation. Blue Energy Motors’ Made-in-India Electric Truck with Battery Swapping Technology, along with the Mumbai–Pune corridor, India’s first highway to go electric aligns seamlessly with the nation’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat and for a greener, self-reliant future. I applaud their efforts in advancing both environmental sustainability and industrial growth”.

Anirudh Bhuwalka, Founder and Managing Director, Blue Energy Motors, said, “We believe that this is the beginning of the EV Revolution in India for heavy-duty trucks. Our electric truck delivers unlimited range through battery swapping, highest payload in its category and Advanced Mobility Intelligence for fleet reliability. The Mumbai–Pune corridor is the first step in building a nationwide network of sustainable logistics, driving India’s green freight future forward. With our Energy-as-a-Service model, we’re redefining fleet economics offering reduced upfront capital cost, lowest TCO with highest payload, minimal charging downtime and making it well-to-wheel green with renewable energy.”

Also read: Montra Electric Launches 55-Tonne Rhino E-Truck, Unveils Battery Swap Technology Too

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer Simple Energy has partnered with Amazon India and Flipkart to make its electric scooters available online.

The collaboration will allow customers to browse, book and receive doorstep delivery of its electric scooters, the Simple One Gen 1.5 and Simple OneS. The move is intended to simplify the buying journey and expand the company’s reach into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Furthermore, Simple Energy is also offering discounts on both models as part of Amazon India’s Great Indian Festival and Flipkart’s Big Bang Diwali sale.

Customers can avail up to INR 16,434 off through various bank and card offers, including discounts on HDFC Bank and Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Cards on Amazon India’s Great Indian Festival.

While Flipkart customers can get a flat discount of INR 7,500 on the Simple One and INR 5,000 on the Simple OneS, with potential additional savings using SBI and Flipkart Axis Bank cards. A 12-month no-cost EMI option is also available.

Suhas Rajkumar, Founder & CEO, Simple Energy, said, “Diwali symbolises progress and new beginnings, making it the perfect moment to advance our mission of democratising electric mobility. Through our partnership with Amazon India and Flipkart, we are expanding our reach across India, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and offering a seamless, tech-first purchase experience that makes EV ownership simpler and more accessible than ever.”

At present, Simple Energy operates 57 showrooms across India and plans to expand its retail operations to include 150 new stores and 200 service centres across the country by FY 2026.

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Kinetic Watts & Volts, the electric vehicle division of the Kinetic Group, has opened its first exclusive 3S dealership in Pune, India.

The new facility is spread across 1,400 sqft, is located at Tingre Nagar, Pune and is owned and operated by Ravindra Sharad Bhelke. Additionally, a dedicated 1,050 sqft service facility, ‘Kinetic Lab,’ has been set up nearby in Dhanori to ensure aftersales support.

Ajinkya Firodia, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Kinetic Watts & Volts, said, “This is a proud and defining moment for Kinetic as we inaugurate our first exclusive EV showroom in India. Pune has always been special to us, it’s where our legacy began and now, where our EV journey takes shape. This launch represents not just a retail milestone, but the beginning of a new chapter in accessible, aspirational, and sustainable electric mobility for India.”

The new Kinetic EV range reimagines the iconic Kinetic DX as a family-friendly electric scooter. The line-up includes two variants: Kinetic DX and Kinetic ZX (formerly DX+).

Both models are powered by a 2.6 kWh Range-X LFP battery, which the company states offers up to four times longer life than NMC-based scooters.

The Kinetic DX is priced at INR 111,499 (ex-showroom, Pune) and Kinetic ZX (formerly DX+) is priced at INR 117,499 (ex-showroom, Pune).

Key features of the scooters include K-Coast regenerative braking, reverse assist and hill-hold assist, along with three ride modes: Range, Power, and Turbo. The ZX variant adds smart connectivity via the Telekinetic app, which provides real-time ride data, geo-fencing and intruder alerts. It also includes My Kiney Voice Alerts and a Kinetic Assist switch for CRM connection.

Ravindra Bhelke, Dealer Principal, Kinetic EV Vishrantwadi, said, “Becoming the first Kinetic EV dealer in India is both an honour and a responsibility. I have grown up seeing the trust people have in the Kinetic name, and now I am proud to bring its electric future to Pune. With this showroom and our dedicated service centre, our goal is to give every customer a premium, transparent and reliable experience, whether they are buying their first EV or upgrading from a traditional scooter.”

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Oben Electric, an Indian electric motorcycle manufacturer, has announced plans to expand its presence in Gujarat with 10 new showrooms and service centres set to open in 2026. The expansion will cover Ahmedabad and other cities including Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Jamnagar.

At present, the company operates a showroom and an Oben Care service centre in Memnagar, Ahmedabad. The expansion follows the response to the company’s city commuter model, the Rorr EZ Sigma.

Sagar Thakkar, Co-Founder & CPO, Oben Electric, said, "The positive response we have received for Rorr EZ Sigma reinforces our belief that urban commuting is evolving towards electric motorcycles designed to meet the needs of daily commuters. Rorr EZ Sigma delivers effortless performance and the right balance of power, practicality, and connectivity for everyday riding. The encouraging response from customers in Gujarat has further strengthened our commitment to expand across key cities like Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Jamnagar, as we work towards making EV motorcycles more accessible for riders across the country.”

The Rorr EZ Sigma priced from INR 129,000, is available in 3.4 kWh and 4.4 kWh variants. Key features include – up to 175km range, top speed of 95 kmph, three ride modes – Eco, City, and Havoc. It uses the company’s patented LFP battery that is claimed to provide 50 percent higher heat resistance and a 2x lifecycle. It also gets features like reverse mode and a 5-inch TFT display with navigation and smart alerts.

At present, Oben Electric has over 50 showrooms nationwide and aims to reach 150 showrooms and service centres by the end of the fiscal year.

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